Substation Hum | July 2021 Edition
Celebrating Traci Nadine Hopkins for breaking barriers
Congrats to Traci Nadine Hopkins, a Senior Training & Education Advisor with our Electric Power IQ training group. Traci has been recognized in the June edition of Transformer Technology as a Woman in Power Systems as an important voice inspiring the next generation. From her unexpected journey into the field, to teaching international training courses, to becoming the first woman at SDMyers to earn a Certified Reliability Leader (CRL) distinction, Traci shares her story and offers advice for other women looking to make an impact. We’re proud of you, Traci!
A thermal image is worth a thousand words
Already scheduling liquid sample tests on your transformer? Perfect. Keep it up. Of course, you can get an even more accurate condition snapshot by adding infrared (IR) thermography. A noninvasive technique, IR scanning uses a thermal imaging camera to detect areas in your transformer, switchgear, and other substation equipment that are too hot or cold—both of which can indicate problems that fluid testing can’t always find. When performed in conjunction with regular dissolved gas analysis, you can confirm or even detect more reliability issues before your equipment fails.
Are you giving your LTC enough TLC?
If your transformer has a load tap changer (LTC), it’s critical that you make LTC maintenance and testing a regular part of your plan. Why? Because approximately 40 percent of LTC-equipped transformer failures are caused by an LTC problem. By definition, your LTC has a lot of moving parts (springs, pins, bearings) that are constantly working to regulate your transformer’s output voltage. This makes your LTC susceptible to worn components, heavily coked contacts, faulty gaskets, and other concerns. See how you can prevent LTC wear and tear.
What’s all the noise about monitoring bushings?
Often used in switchgear and transformers, electrical bushings are vital components in the power industry. They allow electrical power to pass safely through a conducting barrier such as the case of a transformer. This makes them a massively important part of your substation’s reliability plan. Partial discharge (PD) in bushings can indicate insulation issues and potential failure. However, PD testing proves difficult outside of a factory-controlled setting. Watch this video to learn more about PD testing and monitoring.
Training corner! How sure are you that you don’t have a moisture problem?
If you value your operation’s reliability, you want to be absolutely certain. Moisture is one of your transformer’s three main enemies. In fact, moisture in your transformer’s solid insulation can be the beginning of the end of your transformer’s life. From now through September 30, we’re offering our Moisture in Transformers learning plan as a discounted bundle—for $125 (10% off the bundle or 15% off individual courses.) This learning plan consists of three 30-minute, online courses for a total of .15 CEUs. Simply enter coupon code MOIST3 at checkout.
Leverage our substation reliability knowledge.
With 55+ years of experience in electric power reliability, SDMyers has developed a deep understanding of substations. Whether you’re interested in testing and diagnostics, remote monitoring technology, moisture reduction, or another substation reliability topic, chances are that we have resources for you. Take a moment to select your preferences, and we’ll curate the content you’ll find most helpful.
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